"One Stroke at a Time" (eBook)
Open water swimmers share their stories of determination, resilience and passion.
This eBook shares 34 real open-water swim stories, told in the swimmers' own voices and accompanied by full colour images. They come from swimmers around the world who kept going through hard conditions, heavy doubt, and deep fatigue. Each one made the quiet decision to continue when stopping would have been easier.
Together, the stories reflect the steady resolve that leads to breakthrough moments, reminding us of the power of the human mind and body, and the places swimming takes us, both physically and mentally.
Who's this book for
- Swimmers training for open-water goals
- Anyone looking for mental resilience insights from endurance sport
- Swimmers wanting to read about real open-water experiences
- Anyone who respects quiet courage, inside and outside the water
What readers have to say
"Sue I truly wish everyone would buy your book 🙏 you are a hugely positive influence in my journey. I feel very lucky to know you personally" 🌊🐬 — Andrew Horne
"Fantastic collection of stories. Easy to read, and un-put-down-able — I didn't want it to end." — Jennifer van Oerle
"It motivated me to complete my first Robben Island crossing." — Ariella Levin
Featured contributors
Andrew Ford · Cameron Bellamy · Caren Naude · Carina Bruwer · Chad Ho · Clinton le Seur · Craig Nerwich · Derrick Frazer · Emil Berning · Francois du Toit · Herman van de Westhuizen · Howard Warington · Jason Lemmer · Jean Craven · John McCarthy · Karen Gibson · Karon Marx · Kelvin Steyn · Kieron Palframan · Madswimmer · Mark de Klerk · Martin Hobbs · Mervyn Bremner · Mike Prentice · Mona Van Eeden · Owen Sheftz · Ram Barkai · Ryan Stramrood · Sam Whelpton · Sarah Ferguson · Tyrone Venter
Compiled by Sue Ochse
Delivered digitally via email. Prefer a printed copy? The softback edition is available separately, posted within South Africa.
The eBook will be sent to you via email in 3 different file formats to download and read at your leisure. Please note our T's and C's with regards to sharing the eBook.
I compiled One Stroke at a Time during the Covid lockdowns, a strange and quiet stretch when swimming was off limits. The beaches were closed, the pools were shut, and I was missing the water more than I expected. With nowhere to swim, I turned to the next best thing: the stories of the swimmers I admire.
The interviews happened however they could. Some were done online, others in person with masks on. One by one, swimmers shared the moments that tested them and the quiet decisions that carried them through. What began as a way to stay connected to the sport during lockdown grew into a collection of 34 real open-water stories.
Among the 34 contributors are: Jean Craven of Madswimmer, Derrick Frazer of Big Bay Events, Sarah Ferguson, Ryan Stramrood, Kieron Palframan, Chad Ho, and Cameron Bellamy.
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